There’s something magical about Europe in the summer, and Copenhagen might just be one of its brightest gems. I’ve tried to visit Europe nearly every year since my 2011 study abroad days, continuing through our two-year backpacking journey in 2018. But then came two pregnancies and a global pandemic, so our passports sat still for a while.
Fast forward to summer 2023, and we were more than ready to travel again. We used our Skymiles to snag a great flight deal and faced a decision: London or Copenhagen? After finishing The Year of Living Danishly and craving a non-English, non-Spanish speaking experience, Denmark won.
As luck would have it, we landed in Copenhagen during what felt like the most glorious 3-day stretch of the entire year, blue skies, warm sunshine, and a city in full bloom. The atmosphere was buzzing with life, and it felt like every local was out soaking up the summer magic.
Visiting Copenhagen with Kids
I always try to balance family interests when planning a trip. That doesn’t mean it’s all playgrounds and amusement parks (though we did almost visit Tivoli). Instead, our pace includes morning lattes (my fave!) alongside park visits for Marin (who considers public transportation a highlight in itself!).
If you’re debating whether to bring the kids, do it. Pack some small toys (cars work wonders), and you’ll be surprised how adaptable little ones are. With the right expectations and flexible plans, Copenhagen is an amazing place to explore as a family.
Day 1: Arriving in Copenhagen with Kids
Jet Lag, Acai Bowls, and Frederiksberg Parks
We landed bright and early, grabbed some much-needed coffee and smoothie bowls at Joe and the Juice, and then headed straight to our Airbnb for some rest.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
We opted for Frederiksberg, a charming suburb just outside the city center. While I typically prefer being centrally located, budget-wise, we found a family-friendly Airbnb with a cozy, hygge vibe. (We even ended up switching to their neighbor’s Airbnb due to a host issue, which turned out to be even better!). Despite a jet-lagged toddler resisting nap time, we powered through with a short rest before heading out to adjust to local time.
Afternoon Adventure: Parks & Pizza
To fight off the jet lag, we headed to a nearby playground and grabbed ice cream essential for 3-year-old birthday celebrations. Frederiksberg was the perfect backdrop: calm, beautiful, and ideal for kids. We visited Nørrebroparken, ordered delicious pizza from Neighbourhood, and finished with gelato from Isoteket.
The 10 PM sunset definitely didn’t help with adjusting our internal clocks, but we eventually crashed, well, everyone except baby Hobie, who can nap literally anywhere.
Day 2: Danish Toy Stores & Markets
Breakfast and a Birthday Surprise
Day two began with buttery croissants and excellent coffee at La Pausa Café, followed by a leisurely stroll through Ørstedsparken. The weather was incredible!
We made a stop at Karrusella, an adorable Danish toy store, where Marin picked out a special birthday present. These quaint shops are almost too cute to handle.
Torvehallerne Market & LEGO Wonderland
After toy shopping, we explored Torvehallerne, a bustling market filled with fresh produce, tasty treats, and wine and oysters for the grown-ups. The kids snacked on berries while we soaked up the European market charm.
Then came the much-anticipated visit to the iconic LEGO Store for another birthday surprise.
Dinner at POPL
We slowly made our way toward POPL, making pit stops at a playground in Nikolaj Plads and grabbing drinks at The Tipsy Mermaid, a floating bar with an awesome atmosphere.
While our initial goal was a reservation at Noma, we learned it had closed (temporarily hello Kyoto!). So we booked a table at POPL, the casual burger joint by the same world-renowned team.
The verdict? Incredible food. Quite possibly the best burger I’ve ever had, accompanied by imaginative sides like a white asparagus foam soup. The staff were great with kids, and the vibe was relaxed yet refined.
The only downside? Our meal set us back $200… for burgers. (Yes, cocktails were involved. My pickle martini was interesting, to say the least.)
Day 3: Iconic Sights & Reffen Market
Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv
We eased into the day with laundry and playtime before catching the metro into the heart of Copenhagen. Our destination: Nyhavn, the city’s picture-perfect harbor.
The area was stunning colorful buildings lining the canal but also the most tourist-heavy spot we encountered. Still, it was worth seeing and perfect for snapping some family photos. Don’t miss Kongens Nytorv along the way!
Street Food Stops: Broens Gadekøkken & Reffen
On our way to Reffen Street Food Market, we made an impromptu detour to Broens Gadekøkken, where we enjoyed oysters and spritzes while music played nearby. Even with kids in tow, the atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed.
Reffen itself was a hit. Located along the waterfront, it offered an array of global food stalls, picnic seating, lawn games, and a fun, festival-like vibe. While the crowd skewed younger and livelier, it was still family-friendly during daytime hours.
Getting Around with Kids in Copenhagen
Navigating Copenhagen with children is surprisingly easy thanks to its efficient public transit. We used a mix of metros, boats, and stroller/carrier combos to get around.
After our evening at Reffen, we headed home for a much-needed rest before catching an early flight to our next destination: Prague.
What We Skipped in Copenhagen (and Why)
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Tivoli Gardens: We passed on the amusement park, mostly because we had recently done Disney World and didn’t have the energy for another theme park adventure.
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Freetown Christiania: While we respect its unique culture, we figured the open cannabis scene wasn’t the most kid-appropriate outing.
What We’d Do Next Time in Copenhagen
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The Little Mermaid Statue: Iconic, albeit reportedly tiny, it’s still on our list.
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Byoasen’s Petting Zoo: Looked fun for kids, but didn’t fit into our 3-day schedule.
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Day Trips: If we had more time, we’d consider visits to Malmö (Sweden), Dyrehaven (The Deer Park), or a trek to see The Six Forgotten Giants.
"A version of this guide is also available at Gypsy Sols Travel and Lifestyle."
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Grant Davis is a passionate entrepreneur, devoted dad, and beach lover who leads with a purpose-driven mindset and a focus on intentional living. As the owner of Bright Futures Counseling and Gypsy Sols Travel and Lifestyle Design, Grant combines empathy with entrepreneurial spirit to create impactful solutions that help others live more fulfilling, balanced lives.
At Bright Futures Counseling, Grant is known for his practical strategies that help counselors serve more students while gaining the recognition they deserve. Through Gypsy Sols, he shares authentic stories and actionable advice about building sustainable passive income, embracing adventure, and living life on one’s own terms.
A firm believer in intentional living and authentic connection, Grant continually adapts his approach to meet the evolving needs of educators and lifestyle seekers alike. His commitment to empowerment and transformation delivers one thing for his community: the tools and inspiration to design a life they truly love.